Chapter Twenty Seven
Charlotte
When they went up together Peter looked at Garrett and raised his eyebrows,
"Is our boy finally growing up?"
"I'm warning you Peter. Keep your trap shut. Don't you dare embarrass Bella. It's about time those two got together and you let them enjoy it."
A little while later he grinned over at me,
"I'd say they are just about to get it together Char. Fancy getting it together with me?"
"Peter, we're supposed to be here to keep Bella safe."
"You want me to go up and save her?"
He got up until he saw my look then sat down again.
"Good move my friend, she looked ready to rip you a new one."
Peter turned to Garrett and smiled,
"Don't worry Garrett, I might have been told not to embarrass Bella but no one said he was out of bounds too"
I sighed,
"Peter, act like a grown up just for once."
"Never, it'll spoil all my fun besides..."
He stopped and cocked his head to one side then closed his eyes the smile fading and I knew he was feeling something.
Garrett glanced at me and I grimaced,
"What do you feel Peter?"
"Trouble headed our way and its moving pretty fast but I don't think its the Volturi."
"Who then?"
"I don't know, it's not strong enough to be the guard though."
"You don't think it could be Edward do you?"
"Could be but I thought Alice might have warned the Major if she knew anything."
Garrett
I understood what Peter was saying but I didn't think he'd seen what I had. I got up and walked over to the counter top picking up The Majors cellphone which he'd switched of on the way up here. Holding it up I turned it back on and saw there were four text messages from Alice Cullen. I scrolled quickly through them, each getting a little more urgent. The last one just read "RING NOW"
I pressed call back and her phone was answered almost immediately,
"Jazz? Where the hell have you been?"
"Its Garrett Alice. The Major isn't available right now, what's up?"
"I think Carlisle knows Bella's alive."
"How?"
"He had a long conversation with Aro a few days ago and he's been asking me questions ever since."
"Has he told Edward?"
"No, Edward isn't here at the moment. He's in Europe at a recital for the next week, possibly two but as soon as he gets back he'll read it in Carlisle's thoughts. Is she safe?"
"Yeah she's safe."
"Don't tell me where you are. I'm deliberately not looking so Edward couldn't get anything from me. I overheard Carlisle's conversation or at least a little of it, Jane's dead isn't she?"
"Yes"
"Aro's furious about that and more determined to find Bella and take her into the guard now. When he finds out where you are he'll send all the guard."
"Do we win?"
"I don't know because nothing has been decided yet but do you think you can beat the entire Volturi guard Garrett?"
"It will certainly be a challenge Alice."
"It will be impossible without help."
"Who do you suggest then?"
"Jazz needs to change Bella to have any chance of beating them."
"What's Bella got then?"
"Her gift Garrett, its pretty amazing but she needs Jazz to help her control it. They need to be close, mated, for him to be able to get through to her once she's transformed. Tell him to get on with it for Gods sake, she wants him, he wants her, what's the problem?"
"And you're not keeping watch on them?"
"No, I've done my bit, the rest is down to them. Tell him Garrett please. If I hear any more I'll let you know. I'm not sure what Carlisle will do. He hasn't spoken to the others yet but I think he's been in contact with Alistair. Sorry Garrett, I have to go now."
I put the phone back on the counter top and turned to Peter,
"Well you heard the lady, we have a problem"
"Problem? That's a slight understatement Alistair's a fucking tracker Garrett, I think it's a bit more serious than a problem. He's good, too fucking good. He'll find us and when he does I wouldn't be at all surprised if Aro isn't hot on his heels. We know Demetri was dragging his feet, maybe Aro suspects it too but he knows Alistair wouldn't work for him but he'd work for Carlisle, shit!. Well let the love-birds have their night of bliss before we drop the bomb on them. I wonder what this red-hot gift of Bella's is, it sounds awesome."
"Yes Peter but she's got to be transformed first"
"At least they got it in the right order, sex then transform, at least according to the pixie."
Alice
I was relieved I'd got through to Garrett, if not Jazz, but I knew Carlisle was suspicious of me so I had to be careful. I deleted Jazzes number from my phone and rang Rose. They had gone back to Switzerland after a brief stay with us and I needed a bolt hole.
"Alice great to hear from you"
"Rose I need a favour, could I come and stay for a few days, maybe a few weeks?"
"Sure what's up?"
"I can't explain on the phone but I'll get a flight as soon as I can"
"OK, is there anything we can do in the meantime"
"No, unless Edward calls. If he does see if he'll stop off to see you for a week before he goes home. He's in Vienna at the moment so he's not far from you."
"Will do"
"See you soon Rose and thanks."
I went to hunt with Esme ensuring I'd be out when Carlisle got home and when we got back he was closeted in his study but as I passed he called me in,
"Alice. I just heard from Edward. He's going to visit Rose and Emmett before he comes back so he's going to be away longer than planned. Esme has an exhibition of interior designs in New York next week so I thought I might visit Rose and Em myself. They said you were going to visit too. We could fly together"
"No I don't think I'll be able to make it Carlisle, I forgot I was supposed to be visiting Caitlin, she's got an art exhibition in Portland, I'll be staying with her for a couple of weeks"
"I see, it feels like you're avoiding us"
"Us?"
"Edward and I?"
"No, why should I?"
"I heard some very disturbing news from Volterra the other day."
"Oh?"
"There are rumours that Bella is still alive"
"What? But Jazz took her to the airport, she's on record as being on the plane, didn't they get a match to her DNA?"
"Yes, they did, but its strange that the Volturi are concerned about her."
"Why?"
"Why indeed. If you know anything Alice I suggest you come clean now."
"I don't know anything Carlisle and I resent the fact you think I might be keeping something back."
"Where's Jasper?"
"Jasper? No idea, he left"
"And you haven't been following him?"
"No Carlisle, we aren't together any longer, why should I?"
"So you couldn't put your finger on him for me?"
"No sorry. Why did you want him? Why don't you try his cell phone, he always has it switched on"
"Not any longer. It goes straight to voice mail and that's full now. So where is he?"
"I told you I don't know. Maybe he changed his phone, made a clean break."
"I want to talk to him Alice."
"I can't help you Carlisle"
"You mean you won't don't you?"
"Whatever you say."
"If I have to I'll track him down without your help but it will be harder on him and any...guest he might have with him."
"Is that a threat Carlisle?"
"No just a statement of fact Alice. If he is mixed up in anything he should stop now before it's too late."